5 Different Foods For Your Super Bowl Bash
We love pizza and wings, but new and tasty flavors are always welcome too.
Whether your team wins or loses in this Sunday’s big game, one thing is certain: The food at the Super Bowl party you’re attending is going to be great. That’s because everyone brings a hodgepodge of goodies to add to the day’s spread. This year, however, why not show up with something other than the usual pigs in a blanket, chips and dip or veggie platter? (No doubt your host has those covered)?
Below are a few small-bite suggestions (as well as one of many places to find them) that are sure to be a big hit with everyone at the party. Though they’re not traditional Super Bowl snacks, these dishes as a catering order usually require restaurants extra time to prepare—so be sure to call ahead.
Baklava. This pastry dessert, whether it’s the Greek or Turkish version, is made of filo pastry, chopped nuts and syrup or honey. Sweets usually come after the main dish, but don’t expect guests to wait until the fourth quarter of the game to gobble up these treats.
*Available at Athens Bakery, 161 Cedar Ln., Teaneck, 201.287.0399
Empanadas. These Cuban fried turnovers can be stuffed with either sweet or savory fillings. Popular flavors include beef, chicken, spicy chicken, pulled pork and guava and cheese.
*Available at Casual Habana Café, 125 Main St., Hackensack, 201.880.9844; 200 Main St., New Milford, 201.576.0400
Lumpiang shanghai. The Filipino version of a Chinese spring roll is usually stuffed with savory ground pork or chicken and shredded veggies, then deep fried. Try not to devour the whole tray before the coin toss!
*Available at Bamboo Grill, 54 S. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, 201.384.5951
Pierogies. These Polish dumplings are made with unleavened dough stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, from sauerkraut and mushrooms to potatoes and cheese. They’re then boiled or fried and traditionally served with sour cream and fried onions.
*Available at Piast, 800 River Rd., Garfield, 973.340.4722; 1 Passaic St., Garfield, 973.614.1315
Macarons. Who would’ve thought American football and French sandwich cookies would be a winning combo? Bring these sweet meringue-based treats to the party and find out!
*Available at Two Ladies Bakery North, 446 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, 201.414.5530; twoladiesbakerynorth.com
Where To Watch
Bergenites not headed to a Super Bowl party can still celebrate the game with a crowd at one of the county’s top sports bars. Bergen is home to a plethora of great game-watching venues, including these recent Readers’ Choice Award winners and other highly rated options:
• Biggie’s, Carlstadt. Named Best Sports Bar in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, this Bergen County mainstay offers fans an assortment of wings, sliders, pizza and more.
*430 Rte. 17, Carlstadt, 201.933.4000
• Blue 42, Elmwood Park. Though known as a Green Bay Packers bar, this popular spot has plenty of screens so you can watch any team—but the Eagles and Chiefs rule on Sunday. The lengthy menu ensures you’ll always have a snack within reach.
*158 Market St., Elmwood Park, 201.773.0970
• The Cornerstone, Hillsdale. A favorite among Bergen sports enthusiasts (it’s a regular honoree in BERGEN’s Readers’ Choice Awards), this tavern has multiple rooms to watch the big game.
*84 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201.666.8688
• Midland Brew House, Saddle Brook. With multiple levels, this restaurant and bar caters to all occasions, from gameday to date night. Look for Sunday specials during football season, or order cocktails, craft beers, burgers and more from their regular menu.
*374 N. Midland Ave., Saddle Brook, 201.797.0070
• The Orange Lantern, Paramus. Runner-up in last year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, this bar is a popular spot for live music—but the Super Bowl takes center stage come Sunday!
*5 E. Firehouse Ln., Paramus, 201.652.4443
• The Railyard Tavern, Fair Lawn. This restaurant features elevated dining options like grilled salmon and pecan crusted chicken, but the menu also has traditional pub fare like sliders, chicken fingers and wings to pick at while watching a game.
*14-26 Plaza Rd. N., Fair Lawn, 201.773.3372
• River & Henley, New Milford. This neighborhood restaurant is a go-to spot for game day. Dozens of large screen TVs are mounted on perimeter walls, making it easy to watch while downing burgers, wraps, pizza and pasta.
*704 River Rd., New Milford, 201.262.0391
What’s your favorite sports bar in Bergen County? Vote for your top spot in the BERGEN Readers’ Choice Awards.
